5 Epsom Salt Baths to Detoxify the Body, Mind and Spirit

Epsom salt baths are an ancient ritual we’ve adopted as one of our top self-care methods – to relax, reduce muscle pain, soften our skin and detox the mind and body. When we soak our largest organ (skin) in Epsom salts, we absorb the beneficial properties of salt as well as any other medicinal plants, flowers or oils that are infused in them. Unlike other salts, Epsom salts are formed by a pure mineral compound containing magnesium and sulfate, which stimulate detoxification pathways in our body also known as reverse osmosis. More than 325 enzymes in our body require magnesium to properly function, and magnesium is responsible for stimulating nerve and muscle function, limiting inflammation and improving our oxygenation and blood flow.1 Sulfates aid in the absorption of nutrients, ease headaches, flush toxins and heavy metals and strengthen our gut health.2 

To reap the full benefits of Epsom salt baths, fill the tub with warm water (preferably filtered) and soak for about 40 minutes. During the first 20 minutes, toxins will be pulled out of the body, and the second 20 minutes is when all of the absorptions occur. Our weight determines how much Epsom salt we need (approximately 2 cups per 100-150 pounds), and to make our soak even more restorative, we can add an array of herbs to assist in soothing PMS, relieve headaches and muscle pain, reduce anxiety and stress, and even help us overcome grief.1 To learn more about how to create a customized Epsom salt experience, see five of our favorite healing formulas below.  

To soothe PMS: 

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar 
• 6 drops clary sage oil 
• 4 drops chamomile essential oil 
• 4 drops rose essential oil 
• ½ cup dried rose and chamomile flowers (optional) 

To alleviate body pain: 

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar 
• 5 drops grapefruit 
• 5 drops lavender 
• ½ cup dried lavender flowers and/or fresh or dried slices of grapefruit (optional) 

To relieve headaches: 

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar 
• 4 drops peppermint 
• 8 drops lavender 
• ½ cup dried lavender buds and/or fresh or dried slices of lemon dried lavender buds (optional) 

To reduce anxiety and stress: 

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• 1 cup baking soda 
• 4 drops bergamot 
• 4 drops peppermint 
• 4 drops sandalwood 
• Fresh or dried slices of orange (optional) 

To help overcome grief:  

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• 1 cup baking soda 
• 4 drops chamomile 
• 4 drops sandalwood 
• 4 drops lemon oil 
• ½ cup dried chamomile flowers and/or fresh or dried slices of citrus fruit (optional) 

For a little rejuvenation and restoration, take time to indulge in one of these true healing experiences. Dim the lights, burn aromatherapy candles, play relaxing music and draw a warm, therapeutic bath – it may just be the perfect remedy for whatever your body needs.

*All bathing recipes were found on mindbodygreen.

“Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.” ― Parker Palmer